israeli palestinian tensions

A group of politicial scientists in Norway have revealed that their research indicates a drastic reduction in the amount of ongoing conflicts globally. They claim that the number of wars currently being experienced will be halved by 2050 – with the greatest decrease coming in the Middle East.

Yesterday the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to recognise a Palestinian state, despite threats by the United States and Israel to punish the Palestinians by withholding funds for the West Bank government. The 193-nation approved the de facto recognition after the vote passed 138-9, with 41 abstentions.

The Iron Dome is a missile defence system built by Israel, with the help of their American friends. Its purpose is to intercept rockets fired into the country from Gaza in the ongoing battle between the two territories.

Hours after Sheik Awadh al-Qarani promised a reward of $100 000 to anyone who captured an Israeli soldier, a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family, with ties to Rupert Murdoch, offered to raise that offer by $900 000 to make it $1 million. These offers follow the release of Israeli soldier, Gilad Schalit, who was held by Hamas in Gaza for more than five years.